April 18, 2020 @ Auraria Campus
King Center

CoCoCo14 HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
To stay up to date on rescheduling plans, please join our email list by scrolling to the bottom of this page and entering your email in the “Subscribe” box.

Now in its 14th year, the Playground’s annual Colorado Composers Concert (CoCoCo) showcases chamber music written by residents of Colorado and students at Colorado higher education institutions.

Typically, most composers have very few opportunities to hear their works performed live by such a skilled ensemble. Hosted by the Music Department at Metropolitan State University of Denver (Metro State) in the beautiful King Center Concert Hall, CoCoCo provides a valuable opportunity for both composers and audiences; and promotes a spirit of community among members of the new music and arts community across the state.

Since the inaugural CoCoCo in 2007, the Playground Ensemble has performed 118 works by over 80 different composers. This includes 13 youth, for whom at least one spot is reserved in the concert program each year. Each composer also receives professionally edited audio and video recordings of their piece; and new in 2013, Playground also holds reading and recording sessions for all K-12 aged composers not selected for the concert.

One composer each year is also awarded a commission prize for the composition of a new work specifically for Playground. These works have become important parts of the concert season.

CoCoCo has grown to be more than just a performance. Each year the number and quality of submissions grows; as does the audience and interest. It is an honor for us, as an ensemble, to serve those writing music in this area. In the week before the concert, featured composers participate in master classes at the University of Denver, Metro State, and the Community College of Denver. Before the concert itself selected composers participate in a Composer Talkback session.

Please join the composers and performers following the performance for a reception. 

THE PROGRAM

Congrats to this year’s winners! We look forward to working with you on another great concert.

neshima/adama – Iddo Aharony

The Mouse and the Motorcycle – Mark Arnett

Liquefied – Mike Barnett

A (Short) Story of Earth - Ben Morris (Winner of the CoCoCo14 Commission Prize)

Fantasy on the River - Luca Pasquini (K-12 selected composer)

Shadows of Clouds - Nelson Walker

The Unstrung Harp - Max Wolpert

Please join the composers and performers following the performance for a reception.